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The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Occidental College is 45%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.
Describe the students at your school.
achievement-oriented
Read all 57 answers What are the academics like at your school?
Classes are small and it's great. Lectures are personal and you will participate in discussion a lot. Students are competitive in that they care about succeeding but like to work together, cooperate on stuff, and are willing to help each other out. Students spend a lot of time studying and doing school work
Read all 53 answers What is your overall opinion of this school?
People are friendly, the weather is perfect, you are in a major city but in a small community
Read all 52 answers What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Try to make a list of what is most important to you about your school: extra-curriculars, size, diversity, politcal atmosphere, dedication to studies, etc. and try to stick to those goals. Research the facilities and professors of several majors instead of just one, in case you change your mind (which you likely will).
Read all 51 answers What are the most popular student activities/groups?
Doors are almost always open in the dorm, people are very friendly and social. Oxy is not know for being a party school but it is not hard to find one on the weekend. Most athletic teams are very successful, so games are popular especially football and basketball. There are great guest speakers and performers all the time. Amazing programs put on by different clubs happen weekly. Dance production is a popular event that happens yearly. Oxy has a few frats and sororities but they are not a large part of the social scene and they are not your stereotypical Greek life.
Read all 45 answers Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
Though there are truths to both of these stereotypes, what it boils down to is that Oxy is caught between having the power to make tremendous social change on its campus and being forced into one formula for doing so. This formula, what is touted as a "dialogue" but is really a shouting match of opinions and dogmas, doesn't let people really listen to each other. Despite its problems, Oxy actually does have a fairly like-minded student body, and many of the arguments over discrimination of any kind stem from the formulaic channel of dealing with hard issues. People use the formula both to really talk about issues, but also to attract attention to themselves. There is potential here, but it has not not been achieved yet.
Read all 44 answers What is the stereotype of students at your school?
Occidental students tend to be some of the best and brightest this country has to offer. Over the years, Oxy has become more and more competitive. In addition the school prides itself on diversity among its student body, both in terms of race, religion, sexuality, and hometown.
Read all 44 answers Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
There are many things about my school that make it wonderful. It is beautiful, in a great location, and holds many vibrant and exciting opportunities. The teachers are passionate about their knowledge and want to share it with their students. But the most unique thing about my school is the ambience of friendliness and genuine care on campus. There are so many nice people that it seems to be part of the admission process to be accepted--on how friendly you are. The school is very diverse and having so many open-hearted people make people feel welcome.
Read all 27 answers What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The admin/staff/faculty are not on the same page as far as school policies and as far as knowing what's going on; too many cliques, people aren't that friendly; professorsare stuck up and often are too busy to help or advise students
Read all 15 answers Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Friendly, the typical California school, but more intellectual.
Read all 12 answers What kind of person should attend this school?
Occidental welcome people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. I can't see a person that wouldn't fit in here, however to be specific, an intellgent, but down-to-earth person with compassion for others would be best suited for this school.
Read all 10 answers What kind of person should not attend this school?
People who are not serious about attaining a superior education and do not want to commit a large portion of their time to learning and studying.
Read all 10 answers What's unique about your campus?
It is close enought to a lot of outdoor recreational spots, to a big city, small classes and the professors are for the most part glad to speak to studentes. There are also great study abroad oportunities offered or available for students to apply for. It is prestigious but not academically unfriendly or hostile like other big name schools, but still could be intimidating if you do not come from an academia oriented family.
Read all 9 answers What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
It feels like summer all the way into November, and the small class size really allows you to get to know your peers and teachers--its easy to make friends and ask questions in class.
Read all 7 answers What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
lack of gender studies and anthropology departments.
Read all 7 answers What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
There are a few things that I wish I knew coming to this school. In terms of academics, to try and do your requirements (for example lab sciences, pre-1800) done in your first year, so you have time later to take classes you are really interested in. Also, in terms of acadmics, understand that you don't have to choose your major until the end of your second year, so take some time before that sampling different majors, and especially different classes that sound interesting to you.
Read all 4 answers Describe your favorite campus traditions.
It's best known for its gorgeous campus, its small size, its diversity (social, cultural, economic, etc.) and its fantastic liberal arts education.
Read all 3 answers What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
White and Privileged.
While this is true about a lot of the students here, you will definitely meet some people that come from very different backgrounds.
Read all 1 answers